Security

SecurityYesterday's tragic events in Boston were horrific and our prayers go out to the families.

It also brings up the future of how we handle big sporting events in our country. On my radio show this morning we got into security at Clemson sporting events and how the policies can be improved.

I tried to stay away from political issues, gun control, religious or any other non-sports issues this morning. The focus was what we need to do or if we needed to do anything at all.

Personally I understand those that argue about their civil liberties but in my opinion safety should come before liberties. As my producer explained this morning, life comes before liberty.

I also understand the fact that we will never stop every terror threat. However, I think we need to improve our odds with heightened security at major sporting events. I don't mind standing in line longer or paying a little more for more security.

A counter terrorists expert called my show this morning and said terrorists will begin to move from national sporting events to regional ones because of heightened security at the national events. The terrorist could find big targets with less security in regional settings.

I have been to New York Yankee games and they have more security in place entering the stadium than Clemson, South Carolina or Georgia does.

Many of you will remember that security at the ACC football title game two years ago was higher and the Orange Bowl featured even more security.

At Clemson, we do a good job before the game but I think the pass out policy is outdated. I don't know of any other major sporting event where thousands of people can leave the stadium and re-enter.

I am for tradition and I know a lot of you will disagree because you say it is a tradition at Clemson. My point is that I would much rather be safe safe than sorry.

I know it is crowded at halftime underneath the stadium. I know the concession prices are high. I know that food you have at your tailgate is better than the food inside the stadium. I also know that that one more drink makes many of you feel better about the second half. Finally, I know the social aspect at Clemson football games is very important to a lot of people.

However, I think security comes first. If we are honest then we all know how security drops off when you re-enter the game in the second half at Clemson.

I understand that terrorists can strike in the parking lot or outside a stadium but I still think a safer and more secure stadium is a good idea.

Clemson has had a lot of traditions that have changed. Clemson is no longer an all-male or an all-white campus. I am glad someone changed that tradition.

Security is not a perfect science but I like to play the odds game when it comes to the safety of people I care about.

A caller on the show said this morning that the last thing he wanted to do was to give up a Clemson tradition. I disagreed. The last thing I want to do is to host a show on a Monday morning with people asking why we didn't do more to prevent something horrific.

In summary, we are talking about giving up a few minutes seven times a year. Are the odds that the stadium is safer for all people worth that? I think so and I think Dan Radakovich and the Clemson administration should consider a pass out policy change. The world has changed and I think Clemson needs to change this policy. Its time to do what every major sporting venue in this country does.

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